Bounced from home to home for years, 18-year-old Tyki Nelworth's mother is in prison and his father is deceased.

Sentinel News Service

LOS ANGELES -- Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas today highlighted the positive things happening in the Second Supervisorial District, acknowledging the accomplishments of 18-year-old Tyki Nelworth, a Washington Prep High School senior who, despite setbacks, received a four-year scholarship to the prestigious United States Military Academy at West Point.

The Supervisor described the young man, who has faced great adversity in his young life, as one who has overcome numerous obstacles to find academic success.

"Despite the struggle he has had to endure, he has remained focused on academics, and has consistently maintained excellent grades throughout his school career," Supervisor Ridley-Thomas said.

The Supervisor noted that Tyki graduated from Henry Clay Middle School with straight A's and currently holds a 4.23 grade-point-average at Washington Prep H.S. where he has taken Advanced Placement courses in English, biology, calculus, chemistry and physics.

Tyki's hard work and determination earned him a Congressional recommendation and a spot to attend West Point, which is highly selective and only 15 percent of applicants are admitted each year.

In addition to performing well academically, Tyki is a successful athlete. He serves as the captain of the Washington Prep football team, plays baseball, and has run track.

Joined by his Washington Prep High School principal, Dr. Todd Ullah, Tyki thanked the Supervisor Ridley-Thomas and the Board, stating that he never dreamt that he would ever be standing before the Board of Supervisors to be honored.

"For me to make it to West Point, that's a big statement," he said. "It means the sky's the limit."